Old Time Southern Christmas Part 2

It is likely that I’m not terribly objective regarding living in the south. Christmas is a reminder for me as to what appeals most down this way.

Normally, my wife and I adopt a family in need each year to help them have a better Christmas. I felt certain that due to the economic crisis we are all living through that more families would need assistance this year.

We went to the church where we usually go to adopt a family and discovered that all of them, and there were nearly 300 this year--more than most years--had been adopted already. Despite the suffering a recession delivers to each doorstep, no one forgot those in need, and I am sure some of the people who adopted families will give as much as possible even if they are required to have less for themselves.

No one gets injured shopping at Wal-Mart. No one fights in stores for the last toy or last special dress like we once witnessed at a Macy’s in New York. People always greet you, hold doors for you and smile as if they are really happy to see you. The best part of it all? It’s contagious. If you live here long enough you’ll catch yourself doing the same to strangers and friends alike.